Project Paintings Conservator

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do – from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond.  Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies. 

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

• Intellectual Curiosity: Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.

• Collaboration: Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.

• Stewardship: We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.

• Belonging: We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.

• Integrity: We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

About the Role

The Project Paintings Conservator assists the Senior Paintings Conservator with the physical care and conservation treatment of paintings in the Art Museum collections. This includes condition assessment, treatment, and full documentation. This position reports to the Head of Preservation and Conservation and works under the direction of the Senior Paintings Conservator. Participates in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and shared ideas are the norm. S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.

Essential Duties

• Examines, analyzes, and performs paintings conservation treatment in accordance with AIC guidelines.

• Provides full written and photographic documentation of treatments in accordance with AIC guidelines.

• Conducts cleaning remediation of paintings and frames. (Approximately 50% of time.)

• Assists with the approximately 200 hours of major and minor paintings and remedial frame treatments as needed for re-installing the American Galleries. (Approximately 30% of time.)

• Completes loan assessments. Completes minor treatments and re-framing planning for paintings prior to loan. Completes out-going and in-coming condition reports for paintings going on loan. (Approximately 10% of time.)

• Carries out condition reporting for paintings on loan to The Huntington for exhibitions. Represent paintings conservation at exhibition planning, scheduling, and implementation meetings. (Approximately 10% of time.)

• Assists with backlog of paintings treatments as time allows. 

• Assists in general organization, maintenance, and management of paintings conservation laboratory.

• Assists and supports OSHA safety compliance.

Candidate Requirements and Experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Master’s degree from a recognized graduate program in conservation.

• Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applied to paintings.

• Excellence in performing complex treatments on paintings as demonstrated through a portfolio.

• Excellent communication and organization skills.

• Demonstrated computer and related technology skills.

• Evidence of professional activity, most typically through membership and participation in AIC.

Preferred:

• Six years’ professional experience in the conservation of paintings in an institutional setting.

• Experience in exhibitions and loans.

• Pay Range: $75,000.00- $80,000.00. Commensurate on experience.

• Medical, Dental, Vision  

• 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match 

• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays 

• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants 

• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions 

• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds